The Mangione Trial - How US healthcare works

This is the podcast that takes a step back to unpick and understand this story, and we'll also be bringing you news updates.

The murder of health insurance CEO Brian Thompson shocked America but also led to rallies and protests about the country’s complicated and sometimes controversial healthcare system.

Phrases like “Deny Defend Depose” appeared on social media. The same words were chanted at protest rallies in the weeks after Luigi Mangione was arrested.

What do these slogans mean, and what have they got to do with a murder on the streets of New York?

This episode explores how the health insurance system works in the United States and hears from one woman who says she spent $40,000 trying to get treatment for her daughter. The insurance company paying for the treatment explains why they believe there were delays in the process.

The Mangione Trial podcast unpicks the conspiracies around Luigi Mangione and considers the facts. The reaction to the murder of Brian Thompson and his suspected killer has been unprecedented. We will look at how such a shocking case set social media alight.

If you want to watch this podcast, it is also available on the BBC World Service's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/p-TntofsVfY

Published on Tuesday, 22nd April 2025.

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